Tattoo Aftercare

Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

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C. MOISTURIZE TATTOO

A. REMOVE BANDAGE

B. WASH YOUR TATTOO

Tattoo aftercare starts in the tattoo shop. Once the tattoo is done, the artist will apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment or moisturizer over the entire tattooed area. They will then cover the area completely with plastic wrap or a bandage.

As tempting as it can be to remove the protective cover to look at the tattoo, the bandage or plastic wrap should stay on for at least a few hours after the process. The length of time will depend on the size and location of the tattoo.

This covering protects the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing.

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The first wash...

After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo.

After thorough hand-washing with any non-fragrance anti-bacterial soap, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic or antibactirial soaps using warm water using their fingers lightly. We do not recommend using bar soaps.

The moisturizer on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance (at times it may appear as its bleeding light thin blood). This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process.

After washing, a person should pat dry or air dry the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour.

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When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to BREATHE. You may repeat the wash and moistrurize up to twice a day.

SANIDERM INSTRUCTIONS

Carefully remove the first bandage around the 8-24 hours period, depending on how much the tattoo weeps and the size/location of the tattoo. Remove the first Saniderm bandage, wash and pad dry the area, and apply a second bandage. Bandages applied after the first can be worn for up to 4 days.

"Extra Tips for Tattoo Aftercare"

What to "Do"

What to "Not Do"

A person can take good care of their tattoo by:

Always using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and moisturizer when caring for a tattoo, as harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate and even damage freshly tattooed skin.Using a moisturizer that allows the skin to breathe, as clogged pores can cause an infection.Making sure the area is completely dry before applying aftercare moisturizer, as trapping excess moisture under the skin can lead to irritation and heat rash.Washing the tattoo regularly but gently, especially after dirty or sweaty activities.Drinking plenty of water to help keep the skin moist and supple.While healing, covering the tattoo with clothing or a bandage whenever it might be exposed to the sun.

A person can also help the healing process by:

Avoiding soaps and moisturizers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area.Not picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form.Not scratching the tattoo even if it becomes itchy.Avoiding non-cosmetic grade petroleum moisturizers, which will clog the pores.Not using sunscreen on the tattoo until it has fully healed.Not swimming and bathing until the tattoo has healed.

DO NOT SCRATCH, you may lightly pad the tattoo with your clean hand or over your cloth if you find your tattoo itching at work/school, etc.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

You should seek Medical attention at any time you feel the need for it. We are not physicians and therefore never advise against seeking medical treatment or consult.

Infection is the most common reason to see a doctor after a tattoo. If a person does not care for it properly, a tattoo can become infected with bacteria.An infected tattoo will be warm, inflamed, and painful to the touch. The skin may also ooze puss or have a rash.

Recommended Products

Always consult your physician and follow his/her Aftercare Products as we are not Professionals in the Medical field. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate care/prescription. If you experience any pain, difficulty, allegic reaction or any discomfot with these products, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

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WEEKS AFTER A TATTOO

WEEK ONE

WEEK TWO

WEEK THREE AND AFTERWARDS

For the first couple of days, the tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and have a reddish appearance. The colors may also appear very bright against the rest of the skin. The tattoo will become less vibrant as the healing process continues.

A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it.

A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed. How often washing is necessary will vary depending on a person's activity levels and environment.

Someone who is sitting in an air-conditioned office all day may only need to wash the tattoo once a day. But someone who is working in a hot or dirty environment and sweating may need to wash the tattoo every few hours.

It is best to wash the tattoo with clean fingers only and not a cloth or towel, which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed.

Scabs will often form in the first few days, and ink may still come up through the skin and need to be washed away. It is important not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin.

Any redness or mild swelling usually goes away near the end of the first week.

Around the beginning of the second week, the scabs will start to flake off. It is important to be especially gentle with washing and moisturizing during this week, as it is easy to tear away scabs and damage the tattoo.

The skin is likely to feel very itchy during this week, but it must not be scratched. Additional moisturizer may help relieve the itch. Using a moisturizer that is kept in the refrigerator may also soothe itchy or irritated skin.

If necessary, an over-the-counter product, such as Benadryl, may be taken by mouth to help relieve the itching.

The final stage of healing can be slow but requires patience. Most of the larger scabs will have flaked and fallen away by now. Small scabs and bits of dead skin may appear, but these will also clear up as the healing process continues.

Scabs and flaking skin can cause the area to look dry and dull. Applying moisturizer, and protecting the tattoo from the sun, will help with these issues.

The outer layers of skin should completely heal by the end of week three. The inner layers of skin can take longer to heal but require much less care.

The chance of infection is reduced once the outer layers of skin have healed, as there is no open wound for bacteria to infect.

Moisturizing regularly in the months following the tattoo will help keep it looking bright and clear. Protecting the tattoo from the sun with clothing while it is healing, and applying sunscreen after it has healed, is especially important in the first few months.